Chapter 7
ETHAN
Imotion for Jett to walk ahead of me, and I’m so stupidly excited that he’s not leaving that I’m practically bouncing off the walls.
I’m going to crack the code that is Jett Hawthorne, no matter what it takes.
I’ve decided that by the end of this night, we’re going to be friends. I’m determined, and that’s that.
It’s like when I’m on the ice, I always follow my gut when it comes to offensive plays; I find the opening, I fight hard, and I don’t let up. It’s the same with any goal I want to accomplish in my life.
Only, something tells me that with Jett I’m going to have fight harder than ever.
My eyes, however, have a different agenda to my brain, and I can’t help but stare at Jett’s ass as he stalks down the hallway.
Not just his ass. It’s the way he carries himself, confident and maybe even a little bit cocky even though I don’t think that’s who he always is.
Like on the soccer field today when Renner showed up.
Jett was upset and embarrassed, and even though he was vulnerable, he stood his ground.
I don’t really know Jett, but from what I’ve gleaned so far, he’s full of contradictions, and that’s what I find interesting.
But admiration for someone doesn’t always result in a boner. I’ve never been distracted like this before, and honestly, I don’t know what’s more shocking: that I’m suddenly lusting after a guy or that I could stare at Jett for hours and never want to look anywhere else.
I quickly palm my phone and text Willow, one of my hookups. This problem with my dick will be solved after the party. A round of uncomplicated sex is exactly what I need to take the edge off.
“Tell me about growing up in Nevada,” I manage to say as I follow him, leaving enough distance between us so we don’t touch.
Even though my body is begging me to slide up beside him and brush his shoulder with mine.
What if he turned and leaned into me? What would his lips taste like?
Goosebumps pop up all over my body as I ignore my base instincts and try to make small talk. It’s not easy when all the blood in my body is rushing south to my cock.
“I’ve only been to Vegas once, but it blew my mind,” I add.
Ugh, poor choice of words.
Jett lets out his telltale husky laugh—the one that could get him laid anytime, anyplace—and I can’t help but walk faster.
“Nevada’s a lot more than casinos and neon lights,” he replies and stops short, turning to look at me. “It’s sunlit deserts, snow-capped mountains, and even the odd lake here and there.”
“That sounds awesome.”
I try to act cool, but my voice cracks. Jesus, where is my game tonight?
“There are plenty of snakes and critters too.”
“Not as awesome, but still interesting,” I chuckle. “So, Jackson mentioned you live on a ranch. What’s it called? How big is it?”
“It’s called the Silver Feather and it’s just over a thousand acres.”
“Wow, that’s massive.”
“Not really. It’s pretty average.”
“Do you ride horses like a real cowboy?”
“Every day.”
“Can I come to visit?”
Jett’s sudden burst of laughter has him smiling for real, and he lights up the whole damn hallway. I can’t stop staring at him, and without thinking, I step closer. He reaches up and tugs on the silver box chain around his neck.
“Not until you apologize.”
“You’re not gonna let that go, are you?”
Suddenly, Gage reappears in front of us.
“Are you guys still arguing?”
“No,” I reply at the same time Jett says, “Yes.”
“Come on, kiss and make up already.”
My visceral reaction to that image is immediate. I inhale sharply and start to cough while Gage shakes his head.
“Or don’t. Either way, Dane has an announcement to make, so get your asses back to the kitchen,” Gage adds. “He’s waiting on both of you.”
Hmm, I wonder what that’s about?
We stride into the kitchen to find Dane standing in the center with his boyfriend Jackson by his side. The Cougars and the Crew are gathered around the island, and my frat bros too.
“Finally,” Dane says as he spots me. “What were you guys up to?”
“Nothing.”
I hear Silas’s chuckle and give him a warning look.
“Okay, now that everyone’s here, I think it’s the perfect time to share some exciting news,” Dane announces and motions to Jace. “Jace?”
Jace places a nervous hand on his baseball cap, and steps forward.
“So, I wanted you guys to be the first to know that I—” Jace glances at Axel and his boyfriend smiles back. “I’ve been invited to try out for Philadelphia.”
There’s total silence in the room.
“You mean—” I start.
“Yep. I’m headed for their training camp in a few weeks.”
The room erupts with cheers and hollers, and I head over to congratulate my friend. This news isn’t shocking to anyone who knows Jace. The guy is a superstar, and he’s earned this opportunity.
“And he’s not the only one,” Dane continues and points at Finn. “Mr. Baran has also received a similar invitation to New York.”
“Finntastic!” I holler and everyone laughs.
There’s a group hug and more cheering until Dane holds a hand up and the room quiets again.
“As you guys can already tell, this fall semester will be different than our usual. Not only because some of our teammates will be moving on—” Dane pauses, and I can tell from his expression he’s getting choked up.
Jackson leans in and offers him a reassuring hug.
“As you know, the National College Athletic Competition, which takes place every three years, is being hosted by Sutton University this fall. In fact, it’s only a few weeks away.
This is a major event for the school, and for our athletic department.
A group of Sutton ambassadors have been assigned to welcome visiting students from across the country, and I’m honored to have been chosen as chief ambassador to lead the student delegation. ”
There’s a round of claps and hollers for Dane. No one deserves that honor more than him. He’s more than our hockey captain; he’s a guy who exemplifies leadership, both on and off the ice.
“I’m still not finished,” he continues with a big grin. “Each athletic team will have a welcome ambassador. And I’ve made my selections. For the hockey group, that rep is Ethan.”
Say what? Everyone turns to me and there’s more clapping, but I’m too stunned to move.
“Me?”
“Yes, you. I know you’ll do us proud.” Dane smiles at me. “And since the Crew is here, and with permission from Felix, it’s also the right time to announce that Jett has been chosen for the rowing team.”
I glance over at Jett, and he looks as shocked as I do.
“It’s going to mean a couple of hours a week in preparation, and of course long hours during the event, but I hope you’ll both say yes.”
Jett nods and walks over to Dane and shakes his hand, and I finally do the same.
“I know you’ll both do great,” Dane states. “How about another round? We’ve got a lot to celebrate.”
Marshall and Gage start pouring more drinks, and I sure as fuck need one now.
Between the news about Jace and Finn leaving for training camp and now this…
I’m surprised Dane would trust me with this kind of responsibility.
Then again, I love meeting new people, and being a part of the welcoming committee is totally my thing.
Wait. Jett and I will be working together.
There’s no way he can escape me now.
My heart is pumping so fast I’m lightheaded again, and I watch as Jett heads over to talk to Felix, hugging his friend. I’m so busy staring at him, I don’t realize that my teammates are huddled around me until Jace pipes up.
“First drink goes to Ethan. It looks like he needs it since he’s not talking.”
I want to say something, but my mouth is frozen.
“Earth to Ethan,” Axel calls out and waves a hand in front of me.
I finally shake my head and break out of my trance.
“I see you.”
“Stop giving Jett the stink eye,” Jace whispers. “Come on, let the loss go.”
“I have. I’m fine. We’re fine.”
But I can’t stop watching Jett. He’s with Hudson and Archie, and they all reach for a shot. Jett leans his head back and swallows his drink, and I watch his Adam’s apple bob up and down. Dirty visuals of him swallowing something else—namely, my dick—take hold. Holy shit.
“I need a shot, stat,” I insist. “Vodka, please.”
Axel reaches for the bottle and pours me a full one.
“Drink up,” he offers and hands me the glass.
I suck it down fast and motion for a refill. The second one doesn’t burn as bad.
“So, what were you guys talking about?” Axel asks me.
“What?”
He pats my shoulder.
“You and Jett. Have you come to an understanding?”
I understand that I’m having filthy thoughts about a guy for the first time.
“Uh, sort of.”
I’m still in a surreal headspace. Not a bad kind, just different.
Unexpected. I’m not surprised about Jace or Finn heading for the NHL.
I’m thrilled for my friends, and proud as fuck.
And even the news that I’m going to be a student ambassador doesn’t faze me.
No, my shock has nothing to do with any of that.
I want to kiss Jett.
How do I even start to process that explosive revelation?
As if reading my mind, Silas pipes up.
“I think Ethan needs another refill.”
I don’t argue with that.
Jett
I try to ignore the way Ethan’s eyeing me up, but it’s not easy. And it doesn’t feel like curiosity, more like he’s stripping me bare. Or like I’ve got a bullseye painted on my ass.
I glare at him, telling him without words to stop, but the guy is relentless. And I don’t know if he’s even aware of what he’s doing.
I down another drink and shoot the shit with my friends, but in a few minutes, I’m out of here.
I’m more than honored that I was chosen to represent the rowing team, but the idea of working with Ethan sets me on edge.
The tentative truce I was about to accept with him seems pointless.
Honestly, I was going to forget about waiting for his apology.
I don’t need it. I was going to leave here and forget about Ethan, period.
How the fuck can I avoid him now?
Ethan is too much of everything that I’m not—loud, opinionated, and cocky. He gets under my skin way too easily, and I don’t need that kind of distraction.
He’s a player and he likes messing with people.
I force myself to remember that. And I’m not confusing his attention for anything other than he’s used to getting whatever he wants. I don’t have to be his friend. I have plenty. Not a lot, but I’m about quality over quantity. Ethan, on the other hand, knows everyone.
Do they know him? Or just the parts he’s willing to show?
And why am I even asking myself these questions?
“Congrats,” Hudson offers and pulls me in for a hug. “Team Ambassador.”
“Stop.”
“You’re gonna be great,” Archie adds.
“I’m nervous,” I admit to my teammates. “And not quite sure why me.”
“Why not you?” Hudson replies. “You’re the one who’s the coolest under pressure, no matter the race. Dealing with a bunch of rowdy visiting students will be a piece of cake.”
“What about Ethan?” I ask.
“What about him?”
“He’s kinda rowdy. Someone’s going to have to keep an eye on him.”
“That’s your job, bud.” Archie grins.
“Uh no. That’s Dane’s job,” I correct.
Trying to get a handle on Ethan would be like trying to rope a storm. Impossible.
“Come on. Ethan’s a great guy, you should give him a chance,” Archie insists.
“After he accused me of trying to use Gage to get over Renner? I don’t think so.”
“He what?”
“Yep.”
Archie made to walk in Ethan’s direction, but I tap his forearm.
“Leave it. He read the whole situation wrong, but he was only trying to protect his friend. Even though there’s nothing to protect. Gage and I were talking about the queer campus club.”
“Okay, guys, one more round and then we’re heading to Boots!” Jace calls out.
“I’m gonna go home,” I whisper.
“No way, you have to come out with us,” Archie insists.
“I’ve got class early in the morning.”
“You can sleep on the weekend.”
I turn to my friend and shake my head.
“It’s been a long day, Arch, and I’m done.”
I put aside my heartbreak about Renner as much as I could today, but reality is setting in, and I don’t know if it’s the alcohol talking, but I need to be alone.
“I’ll walk you back,” Hudson offers.
“Thanks.”
“You’re not coming to Boots either?” Archie asks.
“I’ll meet you there in a bit,” Hudson replies.
They give each other a look, and I’m not sure what the silent communication is about, but I’m suddenly too tired to question it. Hudson and I start making the rounds to say our goodbyes to everyone, but I notice Ethan is already gone. Where to, I have no idea.
I should be relieved. Strangely, I’m not.
The walk back across campus is quiet. Whenever I have a problem, I tend to retreat into myself until I work out a solution. Hudson knows this about me, and I appreciate that he doesn’t push. I’m tired, and all I want is my bed, and maybe another cry too.
“Rowing practice is coming up,” Hudson finally says as we enter the dorm. “And our first competition too. You excited?”
“Yeah, I’m looking forward to it. The lake is my happy place.”
There’s nothing like an early morning row to start the day. The workout, the scenery, and most of all, being with my friends, is a combination that’s hard to beat.
When we arrive at my room, I notice an orange Post-It note stuck to my door.
CALL ME. WE NEED TO TALK. REN.
Hudson makes a gagging noise, and I yank the note off the door and rip it up into pieces.
“He’s only chasing me because he’s not getting his way. In another week, he’ll forget my name.”
If only things were that simple with Ethan.